DEMENTIA AND PERSONHOOD - A FOCUS FOR CARE

The philosophy of nursing emphasizes the importance of holistic care d elivered to an individual and their significant others through a share d understanding of the person. Dementia, however, strikes at the very nature of personhood, and carers are challenged to re-evaluate how car e can be adjusted to help preserve dignity and independence during a v ery variable span of deteriorating mental function. This paper explore s the impact of dementia on patients and carers through the meanings o f self and body image which give individuality to each of us. It concl udes by highlighting how recognition of this may assist carers to acco mmodate the necessary changes associated with the illness.